East County Observer 7.29.21

E A ST COUNTY

Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

Rotary rounds up awards. PAGE 10

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

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FREE THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

VOLUME 23, NO. 37

YOUR TOWN

Project bridges 44th Avenue gap The 44th Avenue bridge over the Braden River is 75% complete as project continues to connect Lakewood Ranch with Cortez. SEE PAGE 3

Brendan Lavell

Sweet reward for shots Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, at 5770 Ranch Lake Blvd., is offering 5 ounces of frozen yogurt for free to vaccinated customers through the end of 2021. Team Leader Jessica Hernandez (above) said the promotion has become more popular over the past couple weeks.

“We’re all in this together,” Menchie’s Owner Brian Pekny said. “We’re happy to do our part by providing fans an additional incentive to get the vaccine.”

The offer is available through the Menchie’s app, and customers must show a valid vaccination card.

HAND OVER THE BATON New band director faces high expectations for Lakewood Ranch High’s powerhouse program.

SEE PAGE 8

Jay Heater

Lana DiBiase and Maya Lander, rising seniors and drum majors, talk to John Schindler, the new director of bands at Lakewood Ranch High.

A+E Liz Ramos

Water works well at kids’ camp Splish, splash 1-year-old Pynelopee Redmond was having a blast during water day July 23 at Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch’s CampVentures.

Redmond smacked her hands hard into the little tub filled with water toys.

She smiled as the water splashed all around her.

She then moved to a splash sprinkler and tried to catch the water shooting up from the ground.

Life’s a cruise Sailing enthusiast still active as a centenarian. SEE PAGE 16 Jay Heater

During Jack Wagner’s younger days, he was a top sailor in the Detroit area.

Theater hammers out a plan.

SEE PAGE 22

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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Emily Walsh has been named president of the Observer Media Group, continuing a multigenerational lineage at the helm of the Florida media company.

Matt Walsh, Emily Walsh’s father, announced the promotion at the company’s annual meeting in June. Matt Walsh said he will step back from some leadership responsibilities, though he will retain his position as CEO. “In the life of just about every company, there’s a time when it needs new energy and new perspectives,” Matt Walsh said.

“Emily and her team are going to bring that to what the Observers do while at the same time never forgetting our roots: that we are a local news media company that is totally committed to providing relevant, useful local news to our readers.”

Emily Walsh, 41, has served as publisher of the Observer Media Group’s Sarasota-based newspapers, magazines and websites since 2016. She joined the company 20 years ago as a photographer for the Black Tie section of the Longboat Observer, later serving as editor of the Black Tie and Arts & Entertainment sections, an advertising sales executive and chief digital officer.

Walsh has taken a leading role in the company’s digital operations for more than a decade, managing the launch of YourObserver.com in 2009 and the digital marketing and advertising agency Digital Observer Media in 2013.

File photo

Matt Walsh said the company has been preparing for Emily Walsh to step into this leadership role for years. Emily Walsh said she was eager to work with the Observer Media Group’s leadership team to ensure the company continues to carry out its mission into the next generation.

“We’re committed to being your local community newspaper for many years to come, and we’re also committed to innovating and elevating, as our vision statement says,” Emily Walsh said.

This week, Emily Walsh announced another promotion among the Observer Media Group’s leadership ranks: Kat Hughes, the executive editor of the Sarasota-area Observers, will serve as the company’s chief operating officer.

Founded in 1995 by Matt and Lisa Walsh and David and Ruth Beliles, Observer Media Group publishes the Longboat, Sarasota, East County, Siesta Key and Business Observers; West Orange Times & Observer; LWR Life; and Season magazine.

Observer Media Group President Emily Walsh has spent nearly two decades with the company, working in roles including publisher, chief digital officer, editor and advertising sales executive.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

44th Avenue link to Cortez on schedule County provides update on project that will connect Lakewood Ranch with Cortez Road.

SET THE STAGE

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

C

onstruction of a quartermile bridge over the Braden River, part of a larger project to extend 44th Avenue East from Cortez Road to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, is about 75% complete, said Ogden Clark III, the strategic affairs manager for the Manatee County Public Works Department.

The current phase of the 44th Avenue East extension, which will extend the road about 2.5 miles from 45th Street East to a location a quarter-mile west of Interstate 75 and include a bridge over Braden River, also known as Project 5, is on track to be completed by October 2022.

The 44th Avenue East extension is estimated at a total cost of $145.64 million and consists of six individual projects. Project 5 is the most expensive project, estimated at $67.8 million.

As part of the Project 5 extension, 44th Avenue East will be widened to four lanes. The bridge will have shoulders, traffic railing barriers, sidewalk, a multiuse trail, utilities and street lighting.

Improvements on the rest of the road will include bike lanes, a divided median, a curb and gutter, a sidewalk, a multiuse trail, street lighting and utilities.

Project 5 will also include a realignment of Caruso Road with Morgan Johnson Road, which will lead to a signalized intersection with 44th Avenue East. The new section of Caruso Road will include the western two lanes of a future four-lane section, in addition to a bike lane, a curb and gutter, a paved shoulder, a sidewalk and street lighting.

“It will connect people a lot easier, a lot smoother,” Clark said.

“There were some safety concerns with that turn as well, and it being on a narrow road.”

A signal will be added at the intersection of 44th Avenue East and Creekwood Boulevard.

County Engineer Scott May said the project will include replacement of pipes and utilities

A look at each stage of the 44th Avenue extension project.  First Street to 15th Street East: Completed  15th Street East to 19th Street East: Completed  19th Street East to 30th Street East: Completed  30th Street East to 45th Street East: Completed  45th Street East across Braden River to 44th Avenue Plaza East: Construction expected to be complete by October 2022  44th Avenue Plaza East to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard: Design phase targeted for completion in April 2022  Entire project: Due for completion in 2025

Courtesy photo

Construction work on the eastern end of Project 5, which is a quarter-mile west of Interstate 75, is largely complete.

COST BREAKDOWN

The breakdown is as follows for the cost of the 44th Avenue East extension: Street East: $16.36 million (final)  45th Street East to 44th Avenue Plaza East: $67.8 million (estimate)  44th Avenue Plaza East to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard: $33.4 million (estimate)

 First Street to 15th Street East: $1.57 million (final)  15th Street East to 19th Street East: $7.3 million (final)  19th Street East to 30th Street East: $19.21 million (final)  30th Street East to 45th

44TH AVENUE EAST EXTENSION’S PROJECT STAGES

COMPLETED

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

that are 47 years old. Although they weren’t necessarily due for replacement for another 10 to 15 years, it is more efficient and cost effective to replace them now in conjunction with the extensive roadwork.

“It’s a major transmission line that we have in this location,” May said. “We have a booster pump station for the water that actually goes all the way out to the island. That’s why there’s going to be a lot of underground work being done initially before they can get to the actual roadway creation itself.

Clark said the portion of Braden River where the bridge is being constructed will be closed to boaters Aug. 16-20 to allow pile driving for installments of the bridge.

“To get the crane where it needs to be for this segment of the bridge that they’re building, the crane kind of has to be in the middle of the channel,” Clark said. “It negates any ability for boats to get through.”

At some point after school begins Aug. 10, the closure of Morgan Johnson Road north of 44th Avenue East will be required for utility work. Clark said a detour was still being planned and will be posted when the closure comes.

Other aspects of Project 6 that need to be completed include paving, striping and addition of medians, streetlights, bike lanes, sidewalks and the multiuse trail.

Project 6 will start just west of I-75 and extend eastward to Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, including an overpass across the interstate.

The project was expected to start in the 2021 fiscal year but was delayed because of issues with right of way, land acquisition and permitting. County staff members needed to identify stormwater pond sites and land needed for those ponds, as well as land for the future connection of Lena Road to 44th Avenue.

The design phase is now expected to be complete by April 2022.

Project Manager Eric Shroyer said construction could begin as soon as summer 2022. Construction of Project 6 is expected to take about three years.

In February 2020, Manatee County commissioners accepted a $10 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation for Project 5. The agreement requires Manatee County to finish construction by Dec. 31, 2022.

The rest of the funding for Projects 5 and 6 comes from a combination of impact fees, gas taxes, the county’s highway capital fund and bonding.

When completed, the 44th Avenue extension will connect Cortez Road to the west with Lakewood Ranch Boulevard to the east. The project has been in Manatee County’s plans since the 1960s.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Home sales soar despite shortage

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The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee reported the inventory of all property types in the two counties decreased by 72.4% in June to 1,537 active listings, the lowest number since the association began keeping statistics in 2005.

Since March, the number of closed sales has consistently outpaced the number of new listings, according to a release by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee. Six months of inventory is considered a balanced market.

Manatee County currently has 0.6 months of single-family inventory and 0.5 months of condo inventory.

Even with the low inventory, the two-county market had its 12th consecutive month of year-overyear growth.

In Manatee County in June, single-family sales increased by 24.3% over June 2020 to 830, and condo sales increased by 38.8% to 347. Sarasota singlefamily sales increased 42.8% to 1,097, and condo sales increased by 72.2% to 575. In the two counties, 100% of the properties closed at or above the original listing price.

In Manatee County, the median sales price for a single-family home in June was $405,305, a year-over-year increase of 24.7%.

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Many spoke directly to commissioners during a public comment session at about 9:30 a.m. before stepping outside the front of the building and chanting for about an hour leading into an 11 a.m. press conference.

Kate Danehy-Samitz, the cofounder of Women’s Voices of South West Florida, said protesters planned to return to commission meetings “as often as they need to” to make their voices heard.

Commissioner James Satcher raised the idea of tightening local abortion restrictions in Manatee County at a June 8 commission meeting and received unanimous approval from commissioners to use county resources to research a proposal and contact stakeholders.

There are no abortion clinics in Manatee County, and Satcher said his proposal would aim to keep it that way. Danehy-Samitz said further restrictions of abortion would be an attack on women’s rights. She suggested the efforts of anti-abortion activists should be redirected to children in the county’s foster care system.

“It’s a waste of taxpayer money to pursue this in a county with no abortion clinics,” Danehy-Samitz said.

In addition to further abortion restrictions, Satcher said he wanted to create incentives for women in crisis pregnancy situations to give birth.

Abortion is legal in Florida before the third trimester. After 24 weeks, it is only allowed if deemed necessary to save a pregnant person from possible death or serious impairment, according to state statute.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Vaccinations urged as school year begins STAFF WRITER

With the School District of Manatee County fast approaching the opening day of the school year Aug. 10, Lakewood Ranch’s Dr. Jennifer Bencie is urging everyone of age to receive a COVID-19 vaccination to get one as soon as possible.

Bencie is the Manatee County health officer for the Florida Department of Health. She said it is a critical time because vaccines have not received emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration for children under 12 years old.

The School District of Manatee County has made wearing a face mask optional, so Bencie said the concern is that kids under 12 will contract COVID-19 and spread it to fellow students.

Lowering the exposure of children 12 and under to unvaccinated people is important.

The concern is elevated because Bencie said the delta variant of COVID-19, while not the dominant strain in Manatee County, is rising. Bencie said the majority of COVID-19 cases detected in Manatee County are the alpha

variant, which originated in the U.K. and was first detected in Florida in December, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Bencie said the failure to reach herd immunity means COVID-19 has not slowed down and will likely continue to mutate, possibly resulting in more contagious and severe strains of the disease if more people don’t get vaccinated.

“We don’t know what the future holds, and that’s why we’re asking people to consider vaccination,” Bencie said. “It just helps them protect themselves against what’s out here currently and what might be coming in the near future.”

Bencie said the Florida DOHManatee County did not possess data on hospitalizations or deaths in vaccinated and unvaccinated people in the county.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said July 16 that more than 97% of people hospitalized with COVID-19 at the time in the U.S. were unvaccinated. The country's full vaccination rate on that date was 49%. Gov. Ron DeSantis said July 21 that COVID-19 vaccines are “saving lives,” adding that 95% of Florida’s new cases are among the unvaccinated.

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

EDGING UPWARD JULY 10-16*  New cases: 94  New deaths: 0  Positive tests: 13%  New hospital admissions: 4  ICU beds used: 7.4%

JULY 17-23*  New cases: 142  New deaths: 0  Positive tests: 17.8%  New hospital admissions: 8  ICU beds used: 13.1%

Health officer says the danger is children under 12 spreading COVID-19 to their classmates, others.

BRENDAN LAVELL

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*Daily average in Manatee County Source: Centers for Disease Control

File photo

Dr. Jennifer Bencie, the Manatee County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health, says the Delta variant of COVID-19 is on the rise in Manatee County.

Pamela Crain, a public health preparedness planner for the Florida DOH-Manatee County, said no vaccine is 100% effective at preventing illness altogether, which is why some vaccinated people have tested positive for COVID-19, instances known as breakthrough cases. However, the vaccines do decrease the chance of contracting COVID-19, and more importantly, Crain said vaccinated people who contract

the disease are far less likely to become seriously ill.

“It will reduce hospitalizations and deaths,” Crain said. “All of the vaccines currently on the market have been shown to be effective, even with the delta variant.”

Bencie said COVID-19 infections have increased among younger people, who also have lower rates of vaccination.

Crain said older generations are more likely to know someone who

became seriously ill or died from COVID-19, adding that seeing the disease's ramifications up close might make them less reluctant to get vaccinated.

“It doesn’t always correlate to an individual’s medical history,” Bencie said. “Those with underlying medical conditions are more at risk. However, there are still healthy individuals who are getting the virus and having severe complications and unfortunately even death when they’ve had no underlying medical conditions prior.”

With COVID-19 numbers up locally and nationally, Crain said it’s important for each individual to evaluate their own situation and decide their own level of risk.

For example, vaccinated people with underlying conditions who feel they are vulnerable should consider continuing to wear a mask and social distance. Those who aren’t sure should talk to their primary care providers.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

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“We’re excited about it because it’s been long overdue, and we’re excited to have a place where we can do real tactical law enforcement training,” said Jay Romine, the law enforcement program director at MTC. Manatee Technical College,

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

7

ABOUT MTC

because in an indoor range, officers are typically standing still in a lane rather than moving around.

“Oftentimes when officers are in these shooting situations, they’ve been running and jumping, and their hearts are pounding,” Bevan said. “They’re not just standing there. They’re fighting. I know just from being in this profession for 34 years that a greater majority of shootings happen outside, and it’s not just standing there when it happens.”

Romine said at MTC, instructors put the students in situations and let them figure out what to do.

“We let them mess up, basically, so they learn how to do it the right way,” Romine said. “We make the scenarios as realistic as we possibly can.”

There also will be classrooms for de-escalation training.

“When you start talking about firearms training, that goes hand in hand with de-escalation training,” Bevan said. “We look at it from a training perspective as a fluid situation. Firearms training always comes with verbal commands and attempting to defuse and explain what you’re doing.”

Once complete, the firing range and driving pad will benefit not only MTC but also all law enforcement agencies throughout Manatee County.

“We don’t have a regional gun range, and we’ve never had a driving pad,” Bevan said. “What kills cops out there is accidents and all the perils involved with driving. Even for basic training instruction, we’ve had to go up to St. Pete or down to Sarasota or over to Hillsborough. Honestly, because of the logistics to send my folks other places and the cost involved, we really don’t do it, and we should be doing it.”

MANATEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY  What: Prepares students for employment or advanced training as officers through firearm proficiency, defensive driving, defensive tactics, first responder and academic areas of criminal justice.

Completion prepares grads for the state certification exam.  Length: Approximately six months  Placement rate: 95%  Estimated cost: $4,400  Info: Visit ManateeTech. edu.

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which is part of the School District of Manatee County, used to have an indoor firing range and driving pad that was built in 1983 at its west campus on 34th Street West. Seven years ago the indoor range was closed for safety reasons.

“It was going to cost a lot of money to retrofit and repair that building,” Romine said. “It would have to be ADA compliant, it would have to have mold remediation, and the rest of the campus had moved on and gone into our east campus and the main campus on State Road 70. The only thing that was left on that campus was our firing range building and one other storage building.”

Once the firing range and driving pad were closed, MTC’s Law Enforcement Academy had to find other places to do firearms and driving training.

Manatee Technical College received a $2 million grant from the state to put toward the firing range and driving course.

The school district will provide another $2 million. Because the Bradenton Police Department already owned the land, the $4 million for the project could be put solely toward construction.

Romine said the project could be complete in as early as 18 months.

The facility will include an outdoor firing range where officers will have the capability of doing handgun training, rifle training and more. It will have driving pads where intersections for simulations will be constructed. Lighting will be included so training can be done at night. The facility also will have a SWAT course.

Melanie Bevan, the Bradenton Police chief, said an outdoor gun range provides more practice scenarios than an indoor range

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

NEW MAN STRIKES UP BAND Director John Schindler wants to maintain the Marching Mustangs’ success.

EAST COUNTY

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

JAY HEATER

J

MANAGING EDITOR

Publisher and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Liz Ramos, LRamos@YourObserver.com; Brendan Lavell, BLavell@YourObserver.com Copy Editor/ Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com

ohn Schindler, the new director of bands at Lakewood Ranch High

School, stood alongside the clarinet section while the Marching Mustangs practiced fundamentals.

Schindler was soaking in information as he observed how the section leaders guided their respective sections as they practiced music for this year’s show.

Every so often, he would walk over to a drum major to ask a question or two.

The practice July 20 was an opportunity for Schindler to observe how the band works during rehearsal. He also saw the band’s traditions and how section leaders have been trained.

On July 27, Schindler takes over, replacing Ron Lambert, who spent 15 years at Lakewood Ranch High School.

“It’s my turn to learn about what they know and what they do with this program,” Schindler said. “It’s about learning about all those things so that way I can keep this band in a comfortable and safe place that they know.

That way they know I’m not going to radically come in and change everything.”

With years of experience performing with or leading competitive marching bands, Schindler is excited to be leading a band that has placed in the top five in the 4A Class at the Florida Marching Band Championships 12 times in the past 16 years.

“I’ve worked my way up to get to this point, and I feel like for me, it’s not only a big step for me, but I want to find my landing spot for a long time,” Schindler said. “I feel like with the directors who have come before me and their long tenures, in a perfect world, I want to be that next person who is here for the long term.”

Ben Rosasco, a rising senior and drum major, hopes Schindler has a desire to hit the ground running so the band can see a win at the state competition this year.

“We decided as drum majors that right out the gate we were going to take this year super seriously because we missed being able to go out and have a full successful season last year,” Rosasco said.

In addition to high expectation, rising seniors and drum majors Lana DiBiase and Maya Lander want the band to continue its traditions and family atmosphere that have been cultivated over the years.

“I want him to have the same effort and the same attitude as us,” DiBiase said. “We get hyped up on competition days or before halftime performances.”

Besides the band having success on the field, Schindler’s goal is to develop strong relationships with his students so they feel comfortable talking to him about anything. He also wants to see all his students graduate high school, even if it means having to

Jay Heater

John Schindler is the new director of bands at Lakewood Ranch High School. He says he looks forward to continuing the successes and traditions of the band programs.

check in with a student every day until graduation.

Schindler recalled that a senior he had in his band years ago who was on the leadership team but barely above the GPA needed to be a member of the band. About halfway through his senior year, the senior confided in Schindler that he might not graduate.

“I said: ‘That’s not an option.

You have to make sure these last few quarters you do everything you can,’” Schindler said. “It almost became a daily thing. We eventually got him on a plan so that he was successful. We saw those grades start going up through the third and fourth quarter. Even up until final exams, I was going, ‘Tell me where you’re at.’”

Schindler saw the student walk across the stage at graduation and receive his diploma.

“Getting to congratulate him at the end was an amazing feeling,” Schindler said. “We’re just trying to get the kids to give themselves an opportunity for the future so they can go on to do something they want to do.”

Schindler decided to apply to become the director of bands at Lakewood Ranch High because he missed being part of a competitive marching band program.

When he was in high school in Ohio, he competed with a competitive marching band.

“Those experiences have

shaped me for who I am today, like learning how to be responsible at that age, learning how to work hard and learning how to be a part of a team,” Schindler said.

“That was something I’ve taken with me for my entire life.

“The memories I remember now (from high school) are the people I spent time with. I always tell my students: ‘You’re always going to remember the people you’re around most. … (Superior ratings) are great — don’t get me wrong — and we strive for those things, but it’s the experience.’”

Besides marching band, Schindler would like to ensure the entirety of the school’s band programs — which also includes wind ensemble, wind symphony and jazz band — are well rounded.

“I call it excellence in everything we do,” he said. “We want to have a high standard for every ensemble, and that transfers throughout the entire school year.”

Although the change in directors comes with uncertainty on how the season will progress, band members are hopeful for a positive outcome.

“My first thought when I found out there was going to be a new director was negative emotions, but this could be a great opportunity to change in a good way,” Lander said. “I’m excited for (Schindler) to take on the job and see what he can do.”

JOHN SCHINDLER  Residence: West Bradenton  Age: 39  Family: Wife, Renee Schindler, and 11-year-old daughter Cadence Schindler  Favorite moment as a performer: Playing with the Bowling Green University marching band at Ohio State University in front of 110,000 people  Favorite instruments: Tenor drums and marimba  Fun fact: Schindler played football in high school and would take off his football pads to perform with the band at halftime. Forced by the football coach to choose between the two, he went with band.

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YourObserver.com

SIDE OF RANCH

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

9

JAY HEATER

Search for alliance leader begins again

I

n March, when Dom DiMaio verified he was interested in the Manatee County administrator position, some members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance wondered whether he would remain that organization’s CEO and president for much longer.

Sure, the county job, which eventually went to School Board of Manatee County member Scott Hopes, was a gem and would have been a step up for DiMaio. No one could have blamed him for pursuing the position. But did it indicate that DiMaio, who took over the alliance in April 2019, was job hunting?

On Monday, the alliance announced DiMaio was leaving to become president of RITE Technology of Sarasota. RITE Technology’s website states, “Since 1989 it has provided the Gulf Coast with business solutions (such as copiers and printers) to meet document workflow demands.”

No doubt DiMaio is a talent.

He was the Synovus Bank Division CEO for Central Florida before he left to lead the alliance.

That decision made it seem he wanted something a little more fun because he obviously could have made more money in the banking industry. But now copiers and printers?

The COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t fun for anyone, especially a group where networking is at

Jay Heater

Dom DiMaio has stepped down after two years as president and CEO of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.

the forefront.

“I wouldn’t have wanted anyone other than Dom to have gotten us through that time,” said Amanda Parrish, the alliance’s chair of the board. “The alliance is a better organization because of his leadership and passion.”

It is a fact, though, that the business world offers bigger and better opportunities for talented people. At the same time, the alliance board must be asking itself some hard questions, such as whether the pay and benefits package is enough to keep a great leader long term.

Heather Kasten, who proceeded DiMaio as the alliance president and CEO, left after a five-year run to take the same position with the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re definitely looking for a long-term leader, someone who can lead this organization into the future,” Parrish said. “We feel this is an extremely attractive position. We feel the pay, the benefits, the notoriety of the job in the fastest-growing community in the nation all make this an attractive position.

Hands down, this will attract

top-level candidates.”

That being said, Parrish said the alliance’s board members have been discussing “unique benefits” they can offer to make the position more attractive.

DiMaio will transition out of his role with the alliance in August, and Vice President Dan Sidler will take over his duties until the position is filled.

Although a search committee has been formed, including Parrish, she said a time frame hasn’t been established to hire a new CEO and president.

Parrish said having a strong

leader in Sidler will allow them to take their time in finding the strongest candidates possible.

The alliance certainly needs a leader who can grow the membership. When DiMaio took over, the organization had 615 members but has lost approximately 100 members since. Without DiMaio, Parrish said the situation would have been worse.

“Obviously, for any organization, turnover is something you want to avoid,” Parrish said.

“We’re all sad to see Dom go.

But I am excited. We are going to have a positive leader who is passionate about our mission.

“We are looking for a mix of skill sets, someone who has the business acumen but also who has that presence to form connections. Someone who has been a leader.”

She said she is blessed to have fellow search committee members who have experience in the process.

“We will find amazing candidates,” she said.

Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver. com.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Award in the books Country Club’s Ted Lindenberg receives Local Impact Award for promoting literacy.

ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR Sarasota’s Susan Courter, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch, was named the Rotarian of the Year for Rotary District 6960. “It was a big surprise, but I am honored,” Courter said. “I feel privileged to be among the esteemed group of Rotarians who have received this honor in the past.”

Courter, who has been with the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch since 2014, spent the past year serving as an assistant governor for District 6960.

Courter was on the team that started the Infinite Possibilities webinar series that ran from July 2020 through April 2021. The series focused on promoting women in rotary, diversity, equity and inclusion within rotary.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

C

ountry Club’s Ted Lindenberg can’t wait for Aug. 10.

August 10 not only means the first day of school for the School District of Manatee County, but it also means Lindenberg, who is the director of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch’s Books for Kids program, and the 150 volunteers can begin going into first, second and third grade classrooms once again to read to children and distribute books.

Since the inception of the Books for Kids program in 2014, Lindenberg’s goal has been to spread the word that literacy matters.

This year, Rotary District 6960 honored Lindenberg with the Local Impact Award for his work with the Books for Kids program.

“This award means a great deal, but it’s not just me,” Lindenberg

File photo

Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, works with Ted Lindenberg, the director of Books for Kids, to ensure volunteers can go into classes to read and distribute books.

said. “I couldn’t have a program like this without the support of an entire Rotary club and without the support of people who supervise and direct each aspect of the

Books for Kids program.”

Books for Kids started with only five volunteers going into five classrooms at one school in Manatee County. The program dis-

tributed 300 books in its first year.

Now the program includes 150 volunteers going into 11 schools in Sarasota and Manatee counties distributing more than 2,800 books per month.

“We need to reach these boys and girls before the end of third grade because statistics show if students have a reading problem by then, there is a high probability they will have a reading problem for the rest of their lives. That will affect their graduation and their career choices.”

Although volunteers were not allowed into schools during the 2020-2021 school year due to the pandemic, Lindenberg and his team of program coordinators — Jim Frederick, Jim Wingert and Joanne Shakon — adapted the Books for Kids program to be virtual so volunteers could continue to help children.

Books for Kids volunteers met with students one on one virtually each week to read with them and mentor them. Volunteers also continued to distribute books by dropping them off at the front office of each school.

Lindenberg said the program has distributed close to 83,000 books since it began in 2014.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Ranch’s 3D map earns gold Lakewood Ranch 3D Community Xplorer Map earns Aurora Award from builders.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

R

361749-1

achel Gray, the marketing manager for Lakewood Ranch Communities, had just finished talking about her company’s 3D map that earned a gold award for best innovative design when she had to run off to a meeting to discuss how to change it.

Such is life in today’s home sales market, where prospective buyers want information in a hurry — and online.

Although Gray and Lakewood Ranch Communities are pleased by the attention generated by their 3D map, they want to continue to offer upgrades that will make it even more user friendly.

The Lakewood Ranch 3D Community Xplorer Map was awarded the gold at the Southeast Building Conference’s 42nd annual Aurora Awards. Gray said the map is the centerpiece of Lakewood Ranch Communities’ website, LakewoodRanch.com. The winners were picked by a panel of designers, planners and builders. Lakewood Ranch Communities hired the Cecilian Partners to design the map.

“We’re setting the standard for how customers will explore com-

e c n e eri

Exp

T X E

Y R INA

munities like Lakewood Ranch in the future,” said Phil Worland, the chief strategy officer at Cecilian Partners, in a release.

By calling up the map, a user can see all of Lakewood Ranch’s villages, its product types and price ranges. The viewer can check on the villages’ relation to shopping, school, parks and other amenities without needing to click to another window.

“Lakewood Ranch was looking for a way to show (prospective buyers) everything the community has to offer,” Gray said.

“This was something we were searching for pre-pandemic, but the pandemic changed consumer behavior, and it became an even more important tool than we could’ve imagined.”

Gray said it was important to offer a map where users wouldn’t have to bounce from that page to Google Maps. That ability will be enhanced in the future so users can easily check out the region as well as Lakewood Ranch.

Considering Lakewood Ranch earned recognition for being the best-selling, master-planned community in the U.S. last week, according to real estate consulting firm RCLCO, the website is bound to get more visitors.

“Our insistence on innovation to make the home-buying journey as productive as possible has paid dividends,” LWR Communities Senior Vice President Laura Cole said in a release.

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Lakewood Ranch’s Ava Krug, 16, reached the 16th round of the Copa Maiz junior tennis tournament July 12-18 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, before losing to Mia Slama (7-6; 7-5).

3

Former Lakewood Ranch High baseball outfielder Grant McCray went 2-3 with a double and a run scored for the Arizona Complex League Giants in the team’s 10-2 win against the ACL Athletics.

McCray was a third-round pick of the Giants in 2019.

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Bill Rennie and Chris Rain (four under par) won the Summer League Best Ball event July 22 at Palm Aire Country Club’s Lakes course.

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Ronnie Jenkins (16) won the Nine Hole Ladies Golf Association “Easy Peasy” (individual low net scoring) July 22 at University Park Country Club.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

O

nly one East County team, the Braden River Soccer Club U18 girls team, received an invite to the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships, which was held July 20-25 at Premier Sports Campus.

It didn’t go well for the Rage, which lost its three games in the group stage by a combined 13-0 score. Yet the team accomplished plenty before the national championships, which began with the top eight teams nationally in each division.

Reaching that final eight was historic for the Rage.

The team became the first Braden River Soccer Club squad, boys or girls, to win the Florida State Cup. The Rage did so by defeating the Cooper City Cobras 4-0 in the finals May 23.

“Everyone was so excited and happy,” said defender Madison Smith, a Lakewood Ranch High graduate. “We were so proud of each other for doing it. Our team is mostly seniors like me, so the fact that we did it in our last year together was special.”

The team then advanced to the U.S. Youth Soccer Region III Championships, where the Rage reached the finals but lost 3-2 to All-In FC (Georgia). Even though

Madison Smith takes a breath before a free kick against Cleveland FC in the National Championships.

Ryan Kohn

the club lost, it was enough to earn an invite to the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships.

The event was supposed to be held in Arizona, but it was moved to Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch because of Arizona’s COVID-19 restrictions.

The lack of success at the National Championships didn’t dampen the team’s overall feelings on the season. If anything, it gave players more incentive to improve. Forward Kaylee Cooper, who graduated from Braden River High in June, will play for Warner University next season. Cooper said even though the team was swept at nationals, it was a learning experience to go up against

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Leaning on that nationals experience will help Cooper and the rest of the seniors, she said.

Coach Chris Ragazzone said a key moment for the team came early in the season, on Sept. 26.

The team played up a level in the Sunshine Conference and was tasked with taking on Team Boca’s U19 squad — which would eventually go on to win the U19 Florida State Cup. The Rage won 3-2.

“That was the springboard for us,” Ragazzone said. “We have heard players on younger (BRSC) teams say they look up to us.

They’re like: ‘Oh my gosh, that team did so well. We want to be just like that.’ I think that’s cool.”

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Lakewood Ranch softball Coach T.J. Goelz was named the 2021 National High School Coach of the Year by Extra Innings Softball on July 21. Goelz led the Mustangs to a 30-2 record and a Class 7A state championship.

Despite losing in the nationals, the Braden River girls U18 team found success during the season.

14

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

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It was the first FLAGS team championship win in Tsunami history. he Sarasota Tsunami swim team captured its first team title at the Florida Summer Age Group Championships, known colloquially as FLAGS, on July 18 at the Selby Aquatic Center in Sarasota.

The Tsunami edged out the Sarasota Sharks, a state powerhouse, to win the championship (2,979 points to 2,972 points).

The Sharks were ranked No. 11 nationally in USA Swimming’s list of elite programs at the end of 2020.

The win is a big deal, and a handful of Lakewood Ranch swimmers helped make it happen.

Taylor Schwenk, 13, won the girls 13-14 100-meter butterfly (1:04.26) and the 50-meter backstroke (30.76). She then swam the second leg of the girls 13-14 800-meter freestyle relay

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team, which won the event (8:46.95), and finished second in the 50-meter freestyle (28.60), among other results. Schwenk did so well that she was selected as an All-Star and will represent the club at the Southern Zone Age Group Championships, held July 27-31 in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Jack Sallee, 12, won the boys 11-12 50-meter backstroke (34.06). He then swam the third leg for the boys 11-12 200-meter medley relay team, which won the event in 2:09.32, and swam the second leg for the 200-meter freestyle relay team, which won the event in 1:55.70, among other results.

Cody Crawford, 14, was the anchor on the Tsunami’s boys 13-14 800-meter freestyle relay

Taylor Schwenk, Jack Sallee and Cody Crawford, Lakewood Ranch swimmers, all won events for the Sarasota Tsunami at the Florida Summer Age Group Championships.

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team, which won the event in 8:29.87. He also finished third in the 1,500-meter freestyle (17:39.65) and fifth in the 400-meter freestyle (4:31.30), and he won the B Final (ninth overall) of the 200-meter backstroke (2:26.92).

The trio said they had a good feeling about FLAGS before it began.

“We were confident,” Sallee said. “Even though we knew it might be close with some other teams, we had been training for a long time for this.”

Sallee, Crawford and Schwenk have all been with the team for at least three years. They have witnessed the Tsunami, which was created in 2010, grow into a program that can rival anyone in

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terms of talent. They know people on other swim teams. They could have put their finger in their friends’ faces, but, showing more restraint than I would have at their ages, they didn’t.

Crawford said his swimmers are respectful when winning.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the team was quiet. According to Sallee, it was Crawford’s win in the 200 backstroke B Final that put the team over the edge in terms of points. During that race, everyone was yelling Crawford’s name, Sallee said, erupting into a frenzy when he pulled it out.

The success of the Tsunami and its Lakewood Ranch swimmers is great to see. The more competition that local clubs have, the more it will push everyone to do their best. That’s how potential gets fulfilled. It’s also exciting to know that this trio and others will soon be hitting the high school swimming scene. Our area hasn’t seen any state champions in a few years.

It seems like the incoming talent could change that.

As for the Tsunami, well, they’re still reveling in their historic victory.

“This didn’t come out of nowhere,” Crawford said. “We work hard. I think we deserved this one.”

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YOUR NEIGHBORS

104 AND READY FOR MORE Jack Wagner loves life at The Sheridan at Lakewood Ranch.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

J

Jack Wagner says he has always loved ships and building model ships.

Jay Heater

tion as a sailor in the Detroit area grew during 30 years of sailing Lake Huron and the surrounding waterways. His crowning achievement was winning the 1962 Bayview-Mackinac Overall Cruising Class, a racing series that is still run today.

Upon retiring in 1985, Wagner moved to Palm Aire, where he lived until he became a resident at The Sheridan three years ago.

He said he and his wife, Leona, loved every minute at Palm Aire because they were active in the country club lifestyle. He played tennis three times a week and golf

four times.

“I had to stop playing golf four years ago,” he said. “My sciatic nerve was so bad. I was 99, and I did my own cooking, and I kept our place clean. I took care of my wife (Leona is now 99) and pushed her in her wheelchair. But when you get to be 99, you can’t do all this stuff. You need to sit down and relax.”

He said his move to The Sheridan has been one of the best decisions of his life.

“I love it here,” he said. “There are good people here.”

Wagner is somewhat of a celeb-

THROUGH THE YEARS Key years in the life of Jack Wagner and corresponding world news:

1917

 Jack is born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on July 25.  The U.S. declares war on Germany in World War I.

1932

 Jack’s father (Elmer F. Wagner) buys their house in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.  The New York Yankees’ Babe Ruth calls his shot, hitting a home run in the fifth inning of Game 3 in the World Series against the Cubs.

1949

 Jack goes to work for his dad, the owner of The Federal Lithograph Co. in Detroit.  A monkey, Albert II, becomes the first primate shot into space on the V-2 rocket Blossom IVB but is killed on impact at return.

1961

 The Federal Lithograph Co. closes, and Jack begins sales work in the print and paper industry.  President John F. Kennedy establishes the Peace Corps.

1985

Jack retires and moves to Palm Aire Country Club.  The first Nintendo home video game console in the U.S. is released.

1998

 Jack begins a two-yearproject to build a model of the ship Confederacy.”  The movie “Titanic” wins 11 Oscars.

2017

 Jack turns 100.  Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the U.S.

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ack Wagner has, indeed, sailed through his 104 years.

As a boy growing up during the Great Depression, he dreamed of building a huge model of a three-mast schooner. He settled for building model cars.

A few days before his 104th birthday July 25, Wagner stood in front of a model of the USS Confederacy, a 36-gun sailing frigate the Continental Navy launched in 1778 during the American Revolution.

The huge model is encased in clear plastic in a room at The Sheridan at Lakewood Ranch. It is a prized conversation piece at the senior assisted-living facility.

Wagner built the model using 14 different kinds of wood after taking a model shipbuilding class in Sarasota beginning in 1998. It took him more than two years to complete the project.

“It was a lot of intricate work,” he said. “Each step of the project was done individually and then assembled. If you turn the wheel, it will turn the rudder.”

He pointed at an American flag at the back of the ship.

“It’s made of aluminum foil and painted, so it won’t move,” he said with a laugh.

Wagner never built real ships during his life, but his reputa-

rity at The Sheridan. The staff and his fellow residents are impressed with his great condition and energy. They celebrated his birthday July 25, and then Palm Aire Country Club held another celebration for him July 28.

“Palm Aire Country club says I have an open door anytime I ever want to come back,” he said.

The son of a business owner, Wagner said he had few worries during his younger days in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t experience some hard times.

Unable to be drafted into service during World War II (Wager has a nonfunctioning right arm), he worked in an airplane parts factory beginning in 1941.

“The first day there, I worked 14 hours,” he said. “Then we worked seven days a week for four straight years. We made aircraft engine parts. They had 350 employees when I first joined. Two years later, they had 5,000 employees, mostly women.”

Although he has lived a century packed with experiences, his best memories go back to sailing.

“As soon as (WWII) was over, I got tired of trying to play golf,” he said. “I joined the yacht club. I bought my first boat and tried to race it, but I was last in every race.

That boat was slow.

“Then I bought a 34-foot sloop (Sparkman and Stephens) with my friend Dick Jeffrey. We took lessons from sailors, and we got so efficient we started winning races.

Sailing was my favorite — the quietness, the challenge, the speed.”

These days, his attention focuses on world events because he mainly “eats, sleeps and drinks.”

“I never have missed a vote my entire life,” Wagner said. “So I keep my head above water. I want to know what is happening in the world.”

Does he have any tips on living a long life?

“Live a good, Christian life,” he said. “Don’t lie to people.

And don’t worry a lot. Worrying makes people old.”

Leona Wagner added another tip.

“You need to have a sense of humor,” she said.

She was asked if her husband has a sense of humor.

“Yes, thank God!” she said.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

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Ranch’s new business group puts faith first The Kingdom Business Alliance has grown to 29 members in six months.

NEW IN TOWN KINGDOM BUSINESS ALLIANCE Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays Where: Grove Restaurant, Lakewood Ranch Information: KBAFL.com

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

A

t 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday, members of the Kingdom Business Alliance descend upon Grove, 10670 Boardwalk Loop in Lakewood Ranch, to begin their weekly meeting with a prayer.

Co-Founder Scott McKay said the organization is a worship group made up of businesspeople.

“KBA is not just about referrals.

It’s about relationships,” McKay said. “I think relationships are the secret sauce. God operates and moves through the context of relationships.”

McKay and co-Founder Greg Claxton said people might join their organization because they’re interested in business

Brendan Lavell

Co-founders Greg Claxton and Scott McKay, with Mindy Poff, enjoy being members of the Kingdom Business Alliance. The alliance meets every Tuesday at the Grove in Lakewood Ranch.

referrals but that they will stay because of the connections they form with God and one another.

The referrals then become a natural byproduct of the Christian relationships that members have formed with one another.

“A lot of people feel like they’re

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having church here when they come,” Claxton said. “The community is here. Just because we go to church on Sunday doesn’t mean we can’t have it on Tuesday.”

At each meeting, all members get the chance to give 30-second “commercials” where they can

explain something happening with their business. Two members are chosen in advance of each meeting to give 10-minute presentations about their businesses, which provides an opportunity to go much further in depth.

Guests are allowed to come to two meetings before they must decide whether or not to join the alliance. Regular attendance is a crucial aspect of being a member, though exceptions are made for vacation, emergencies and other mitigating circumstances.

The organization has grown from three members in December 2020 to 29 businesspeople of all ages at the end of June and hopes

to double in size by the end of 2021. The organization does not prescribe to a specific denomination of Christianity. The organization has based itself in Lakewood Ranch because it is a central location that can be reached by people in the region, thanks to its close proximity to the interstate.

Kingdom Business Alliance was formed in October 2020. McKay and Claxton, who knew each other from Bayside Community Church, were among its founders. They scrapped their early plans for an organization called Premier Networking Group and recentered the idea around their faith. Claxton said this shift led them to focus on how they could help other people’s businesses.

“When I’m thinking about everyone else’s businesses before my own, I don’t have to think about my own,” McKay said. “I have 29 successful business owners and entrepreneurs who are looking at me, thinking about how they can support and encourage my business. It just works beautifully, and it’s God’s design.”

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

COMMUNITY THURSDAY, JULY 29

CASUAL CORNHOLE Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Community Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts cornhole for those 18 and above. Free for Lakewood Ranch residents; $10 for nonresidents. Go to MyLWR.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 31

KIDS VOLLEYBALL 9 a.m. at the Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities offers volleyball for kids ages 7-12. Free for Lakewood Ranch residents; $10 for nonresidents.

Go to MyLWR.com.

BEGINNERS VOLLEYBALL 10 a.m. at Summerfield Community Park, 6402 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Learn the basics of sand volleyball. Free for Lakewood Ranch residents; $10 for nonresidents. Go to MyLWR.com.

JULY 18 - SEPTEMBER 30 EASTERSEALS IS PARTNERING WITH THE FLANZER TRUST IN A MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN. this week, join ambassadors EASTERSEALS’ LILY SCHOOL TWINKLE TOES NANNY AGENCY

INTERMEDIATE VOLLEYBALL 11 a.m. at Summerfield Community Park, 6402 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Take your volleyball game to the next level. Free for Lakewood Ranch residents; $10 for nonresidents.

Go to MyLWR.com.

ALSO JOIN

RISE & NYE’S EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 IN DOWNTOWN SARASOTA! special thanks to the

SUNDAY, AUG. 1

75

MARKET AT LAKEWOOD RANCH 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. every Sunday through September. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy prod-

LOCAL DONORS

WHO ARE EACH TAKING A DAY DURING THE CAMPAIGN TO RAISE FUNDS & AWARENESS.

File photo

Nolan Chapell of Panther Ridge enjoys Rec Day at Nathan Benderson Park.

BEST BET SATURDAY, JULY 31

REC DAY AT THE PARK Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

Features stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and more. Go to NathanBendersonPark. org. Cost is $10 per person; $5 for adults with children; free for 6 and younger. Fishing licenses are required.

ucts, pastas, bakery goods, jams and more. Go to MyLWR.com.

YOGA IN THE PARK 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The public is invited to a free yoga workout. Bring your own mat and water bottle. Mats must be placed 6 feet apart. For more information or to register, go to LakewoodRanch.com.

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

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57

AWARDS

28

AWARDS

The Observer Media Group won 50 awards at the 2021 FPA Weekly Newspaper Contest, including 18 first place wins. The Longboat and Sarasota Observers each took first place in General Excellence.

The Creative Team was awarded 28 awards, including 10 first place wins and the Grand Award in the 2020/21 Florida Newspaper Advertising and Marketing Executive Creative Excellence Contest.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

BRADENTON 8499 Lindrick Lane 6 Beds 8/4 Baths 15,223 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4475594 $10,850,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7320 Barclay Court 4 Beds 5/1 Baths 7,579 Sq. Ft. Bernadette Caswell & Victoria Turner 941-320-8265 A4500081 $3,950,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8015 Bounty Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,048 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4502454 $2,820,000

BRADENTON 5948 Riverview Boulevard 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,091 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4504528 $2,300,000

SARASOTA 7422 Clark Road 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,158 Sq. Ft. Jami Kellogg 941-809-6931 A4499425 $2,199,000

SARASOTA 3501 Founders Club Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,836 Sq. Ft. Richard Hearn 941-313-1591 A4497661 $1,599,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7004 Brier Creek Court 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,534 Sq. Ft. Victoria Turner 662-614-2783 A4505757 $1,300,000

BRADENTON 8201 17th Avenue W 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,765 Sq. Ft. Becky Sirigotis 941-201-8000 A4504726 $1,200,000

BRADENTON 528 Mast Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,456 Sq. Ft. Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4506616 $1,100,000

SARASOTA 5720 Autumn Fern Circle 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,458 Sq. Ft. Alison Elizalde 941-928-9217 A4506020 $920,000

SARASOTA 5139 Vanderipe Road 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,882 Sq. Ft. Jonnie Dwyer 941-812-6283 A4503475 $900,000

BRADENTON 13404 Ramblewood Trail 6 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,009 Sq. Ft. Toma Milbank & Rebecca Milbank PLLC 941-720-5174 A4506789 $785,000

SARASOTA 4619 Hidden Forest Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,623 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4506406 $749,000

BRADENTON 3608 W 54th Drive W J101 & J102 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,776 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4497828 $699,900

SARASOTA 1720 Southwood Street 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,532 Sq. Ft. Deborah Nelson 941-266-5900 A4506745 $695,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6711 Quillback Lane 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,410 Sq. Ft. Brian Wood 941-928-8408 A4506978 $649,000

BRADENTON 9235 43rd Terrace W 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,482 Sq. Ft. Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4502020 $599,999

SARASOTA 1705 Dawn Street 4 Beds 2 Baths 1,365 Sq. Ft. Jared Ross 941-539-1705 A4496666 $585,000

BRADENTON 3705 54th Drive W N101 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,993 Sq. Ft. Adam Cuffaro 941-812-0791 A4468253 $530,000

BRADENTON 7503 3rd Avenue NW 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,964 Sq. Ft. David D'Angelo 941-587-7268 A4506842 $525,000

PARRISH 3520 Wilderness Boulevard W 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,593 Sq. Ft. Jennifer Horvat & Debbie Judge 313-729-6339 A4505891 $495,000

BRADENTON 1320 Perico Point Circle 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,547 Sq. Ft. Maruta Miluns 941-374-9702 A4502932 $489,000

BRADENTON 7304 24th Avenue W 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,527 Sq. Ft. Maria Christenson & Karla Davidson 941-920-3583 A4499897 $450,000

SARASOTA 7792 Fairway Woods Drive 1206 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,956 Sq. Ft. Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4506661 $425,000

SARASOTA 4223 67th Avenue Circle E 3 Beds 2/2 Baths 3,048 Sq. Ft. Ryndie Brusco 941-809-6913 A4507132 $420,000

BRADENTON 339 Heritage Isles Way 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,016 Sq. Ft. Kiley Riccardi, P.A. 941-720-1147 A4505426 $410,000

BRADENTON 4503 101 St Street W 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,440 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4492031 $400,000

SARASOTA 4274 Riverwood Avenue 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,774 Sq. Ft. Patrick Doherty & Maureen Doherty 941-993-3160 A4499452 $399,000

SARASOTA 2211 Bay Street 2 Beds 1/1 Baths 925 Sq. Ft. Cole Collins 941-350-8360 A4503526 $399,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 8017 Marina Isles Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,593 Sq. Ft. Kate Enis 941-330-6068 A4500595 $7,250,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 607, 609, 611 Fern Streets & 610 Rose Street 12 Beds 6 Baths 1,568 Sq. Ft. Hannah Hillyard & George Myers 941-744-7358 A4497933 $5,900,000

SARASOTA 3260 E Forest Lake Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,837 Sq. Ft. Thomas Arthur 941-400-7970 A4504542 $3,990,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 361769-1

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Harbour Walk topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Edward and Patricia Van Stedum, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 553 Fore Drive to Allen Gunn, trustee, of Port Austin, Michigan, for $1.5 million. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,071 square feet of living area.

WINDING RIVER

Joan Gresock and Kevin Alan Gresock, of Bradenton, sold their home at 14207 11th Terrace NE to Zander X LLC for $1.43 million. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,811 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 2018.

NAFDOF 24 LLC sold the home at 1115 143rd St. NE to Kevin and Joan Gresock, of Bradenton, for $660,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,345 square feet of living area. It sold for $380,000 in 2013.

UNIVERSITY PARK

Melvin and Joanna Schick, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7215 Marlow Place to Bruce Chasser and Susan Stewart, of Bradenton, for $1.22 million. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,803 square feet of living area. It sold for $889,000 in 2000.

ESPLANADE

William and Kim Allen, of Wilmington, Delaware, sold their home at 13707 Palazzo Terrace to Abigail Claire Corbett and Bradford Remington, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.2 million. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,726 square feet of living area. It sold for $660,000 in 2019.

Robert and Margaret Larson, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13309 Torresina Terrace to Donald Beck, of Centennial, Colorado, for $630,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,920 square feet of living area. It sold for $455,000 in 2015.

Gary and Tina Worth, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12781 Fontana Loop to Daniel James Hallman, of Landrum, South Carolina, for $559,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,874 square feet of living area. It sold for $329,400 in 2013.

Darwin Perry and Susan Jessen, of Ellicott City, Maryland, sold their home at 13011 Palermo Drive to Jack and Janet Tyse, of Orlando, for $535,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,087 square feet of living area. It sold for $330,100 in 2014.

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JULY 12-16

RIVERDALE REVISED Vincent Cappa, trustee, of Oak Park, Illinois, sold the home at 524 Mast Drive to Jared James Lubbers and Heidi Emrani, of Bradenton, for $1.18 million.

Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,607 square feet of living area.

It sold for $579,800 in 2012.

Kenneth and Patricia Nota sold their home at 306 Americas Cup Blvd. to Laura Degnon and Liezell Bradshaw, of Rockville, Maryland, for $899,900. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,085 square feet of living area. It sold for $493,000 in 2014.

TREYMORE AT THE VILLAGES OF PALM AIRE Mark and Suzanne Golden sold their home at 4731 Carrington Circle to Jacob and Tanya Trepelkin, of Sarasota, for $998,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,430 square feet of living area. It sold for $635,000 in 2015.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST Timothy and Kim Lester, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7135 Callander Cove to Ester Salman and Stephen Coffey, of Lakewood Ranch, for $985,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,673 square feet of living area. It sold for $175,100 in 2015.

Steven and Roberta Bordes, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 15305 Helmsdale Place to Deborah and Frank Angelo, of Lakewood Ranch, for $613,000.

Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,318 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2013.

Daniel and Maureen Powell, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7139 Westhill Court to Victoria and Grace Mandybur, of Lakwood Ranch, for $579,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,989 square feet of living area. It sold for $391,500 in 2014.

GROSVENOR GARDENS Tim and Denise Hoffman, of Palm Harbor, sold their home at 8315 Grosvenor Court to Carl and Tamara Zeller, of Leander, Texas, for $950,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 3,533 square feet of living area. It sold for $850,000 in 2020.

SAVANNA Michael Byars II, of Roebuck, South Carolina, sold his home at 3516 Savanna Palms Court to Jonathan and Melanie Brucato, of North Attleborough, Massachusetts, for $875,000. Built in 2018, it has six bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,899 square feet of living area.

It sold for $600,000 in 2020.

Tracy and Timothy Daniel, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, sold their home at 3723 Scrub Creek Run to Heath Bewley, of Bradenton, for $669,500. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,448 square feet of living area.

It sold for $375,000 in 2018.

21

REAL ESTATE

Harbour Walk home tops sales at $1.5 million

|

Courtesy photo

This Harbour Walk home at 553 Fore Drive sold for $1.5 million. It has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,701 square feet of living area.

Robert and Jennifer Kirby, of Bradenton, sold their home at 3715 Scrub Creek Run to John Richardson Mills and Leanne Elizabeth Mills, of Bradenton, for $650,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,287 square feet of living area. It sold for $342,500 in 2018.

SHOREVIEW Rodney and Renee Merrick, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7793 Grande Shores Drive to Michael and Karen Pellegrini, of Sarasota, for $882,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths,

a pool and 2,486 square feet of living area. It sold for $591,100 in 2018.

STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE HARBOUR Julian and Jessica Schneider, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7534 Camden Harbour Drive to Brian and Evelyn Bennett, of Bradenton, for $853,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,992 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in 2017.

In with the new SALES GALLERY OPEN

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Sales galleries open and available for virtual or in-person presentations.

Virtual home tours | OnDemand local experts | Interactive site and floorplans

WWW.MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM/NEW-HOMES | 844.591.4333 | SARASOTA, FLORIDA Prices as of July 2021.

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Courtesy photo

Charles Cosler, Bill Rusling, Jeffery Kin and Bill Porter discuss the possibilities of The Players’ new space in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall.

The Players transforms mall into theater

YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL HEADQUARTERS

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

I

n the not-too-distant future, The Players Centre for the Performing Arts will be relocating to a shiny, new, stateof-the-art performing arts facility that it intends to build in Lakewood Ranch.

It’s an ambitious move — and a big move. It’s going to take a lot of money, planning and time before it can make it. In the interim, the troupe is making a smaller move.

To a shopping mall, no less.

Sarasota’s oldest community theater company has settled into temporary headquarters at the Crossings at Siesta Key mall.

Jeffery Kin, The Players’ artis-

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tic director, has been at the heart of the relocation. Although moving can be stressful, Kin said he couldn’t be happier.

“Really,” he said. “That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.”

In the background, a hammer’s repetitive beat could be heard.

“Sorry about the noise,” Kin said, adding that a temporary platform was being built.

“It will be 18 feet across and about 20 feet from front to back,” he said. “Ken Junkins is working on it as we speak. He’s the guy with the hammer. You can hear him, right?”

Kin said it is the sound of a theater being born.

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

continued in the background and then was replaced by the whine of a circular saw.

“I’ll admit this makeover is a creative challenge,” he said.

“We’ve all got work to do — brain work, physical work, you name it — and it’s anything but easy.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it. We have to downsize and scale back to smaller productions. We also have to educate our audienc: Hey, we’re still here! We didn’t go away. We’re in the mall now.”

Two weeks later, Kin said the makeover is going well.

“We’ve reached the final countdown,” he said “We’ll be ready to launch in mid-September.”

After that, The Players’ ad hoc theater will be up and running. And the shows will go on.

After that big build-up, Kin said, everyone has to be “realistic.”

“This is just the first phase of our makeover,” he said. “It’s kind of like the hold-it-togetherwith-duct-tape-and-chewinggum phase. Our performance space will still be totally provisional. It’ll be more like our temporary-temporary theater.”

According to Kin, The Players’ new venue is going to be a work in progress for a long time. There will be plenty of work to do in the future. But the work they’re doing in the present will be enough to get the season started.

“I’m psyched,” Kin said. “We’re rehearsing later today — and yes, that’s still happening in the studio. We still have to drive downtown, but that’s going to stop pretty soon. No more fighting traffic and driving across town day after day. We can finally stay right here and do what we do best: put on a show!”

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I’ve heard, anyway,” he said.

“Seriously, the scope of this project is huge. It’s both a relocation and a reinvention — and this is just phase one of our makeover.

And, like always seems to happen, we’ve got almost zero time to get it done. We start our 92nd season Oct. 5. But it feels like tomorrow to me. The clock is ticking.”

The Players’ new home at the mall boasts plenty of open space at 5,400 square feet. It still doesn’t have a stage, dressing rooms or chairs for theatergoers.

But what it does have is far more important.

A dream team of seriously skilled talent — including hardworking carpenters and scenic designers — is transforming the former retail space into a theater at warp speed.

The Players will continue to hold its rehearsals and classes at its Sixth Street studio until the new theater is ready. For Kin, that means a lot of driving. Just thinking about it makes him groan.

“The cross-town traffic — even a short trip is nerve-wracking. I feel like an extra in a ‘Mad Max’ movie,” he said.

Kin expects his scenic talents to wrap up the Banana Republic makeover in plenty of time for The Players’ upcoming 2021-22 season.

“We’re going to make the deadline,” Kin said. “I’m confident.”

Still, it must have been terrifying on day one, when he and his creative crew first set eyes on the remains of a long dead shop.

“Nah,” Kin said. “Our designers walked into this space, and they instantly saw its potential. They were all like: ‘Oh, we can do this.

We can do that.’ I basically just got out of their way.”

The hammer’s staccato beat

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

THURSDAY, JULY 29 High: 88 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 53%

FRIDAY, JULY 30 High: 90 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 40%

SATURDAY, JULY 31 High: 90 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 40%

Pamela Williams captured this photo of a glossy ibis in the Hazeltine neighborhood of County Club East.

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, July 29

6:52a 8:20p

Friday, July 30

6:52a

8:19p

Saturday, July 31

6:53a

8:19p

Sunday, Aug. 1

6:53a 8:18p

Monday, Aug. 2

6:54a

8:17p

Tuesday, Aug. 3

6:54a

8:17p

Wednesday, Aug. 4

6:55a

8:16p

MOON PHASES

Aug. 22 Full

Aug. 30 Last

Sept. 6 New

Sept. 13 First

RAINFALL Monday, July 19

0

Tuesday, July 20

0

SUNDAY, AUG. 1

Wednesday, July 21

0

Thursday, July 22

0

High: 90 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 34%

Friday, July 23

0

Saturday, July 24

0

Sunday, July 25

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2021-22 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2022, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2021 24.33 in.

2021 6.02 in.

2020 31.61 in.

2020 6.08 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 941.748.4679 | Venice

CROSSWORD GR-R by Sebastian L. Iger; Edited by David Steinberg

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 Lazy people 7 Sao Paulo’s country, in Sao Paulo 13 Strong part of a mussel 18 “Look who’s back!”

20 “Us” star Nyong’o 21 Shove forward, as a chair 23 More out of reach than the coarse file?

25 Mysterious to many 26 Students’ cards 27 “Scram!”

28 Columbus sch.

30 Amounts of medicine 31 Brownish photo tint 32 Tirade against the

government?

35 Comment after taking a break from peeling an orange?

40 Environmental activist Thunberg 41 Actor Page 42 Lily pad’s place 43 Doe, for instance 44 Ask too much?

47 Spend too little 48 Song for two 50 “___ voyage!”

51 Where Mongolia is 52 Spigot 53 Realtor’s remark during a tour?

58 Stereotypical cafeteria food 60 Before, in poetry 61 Wonder Woman’s enemy 62 Granola morsel 63 Faster alternative to the Constitutional Convention?

70 Painting or photography 71 Lofty 72 Where Moldova is (Abbr.)

73 They may get back together 75 Movie about a “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” heroine’s many nuances?

81 Granola morsel

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46 Orange or purple root 48 Laura of “Little Women” 49 Material in a typical surfboard 50 Meatloaf meat 51 “Glee” character Abrams 53 Gets warmer?

54 Solemn promises 55 Noisy med. test 56 Grizzled 57 Have pad thai, perhaps 59 Certain H.S. exams 64 Attempt 65 Bumper cars or carousel DOWN 66 Effortlessly gain wisdom?

1 Coming-out phrase 67 Billiards sticks 2 Baltic Avenue card, e.g.

68 City near Ventura 3 Installs, as tile 69 Like axons and synapses 4 Word before “ideal” or 74 Hairdo “trip” 75 Applicant’s expense 5 Surface for a pan 76 “___ so sorry!”

6 Secondary pile in poker 77 Regarded disapprovingly 7 Chicken cordon ___ 78 Sweeties 8 Corrosion on an old car 79 Oil grp.

9 Credit card interest letters 80 Bean type in some falafel 10 Singer hidden in “Enrique 85 Climb, as a tree trunk Iglesias” 86 “c++;” could be a line of it 11 “How strange ...”

88 One has many pretty 12 Failure of judgment faces 13 Where to wear a mud 89 Egyptian snake mask 90 Southeast Asian 14 Person who overcomes language many obstacles 91 Holiday ___ Express 15 Accompany 92 Certain Louisianans 16 Indoor guard dog at a 94 Home of Canada’s ParliaTibetan palace ment Hill 17 Pillowcase material 95 Young math genius, say 82 Organs missing from 19 Cry in a game of tag 96 ___ and kin many emojis 22 Cardinal’s home 97 Proofreader’s catch 83 83/83 24 Comedian Trevor 98 Situp surfaces 84 Make no play 29 Time-sensitive 99 Instruments that rhyme 85 Like goblins 31 Low-fat kind of milk with “kotos” 87 ___ rap (Lil Peep genre) 32 Swim flipper 100 Starts to melt 88 Striped candy shape 33 The 31st, for July 104 “Sure, I guess” 90 Actor Schreiber 34 All bets ___ off 105 Late July births 92 Written for singers 35 Outperforms 106 Two twos, for one 93 Less desirable 36 Subject of a basic chem- 107 Refer to 95 “What is flat yet freistry lesson?

108 Winter toy quently flipped?” say?

37 Like some sunglasses 110 Body part with a “corner” 98 With 111-Across, comedy 38 Largest fencing sword 112 Scooby-___ about a quest for an altar 39 Campus military grp.

113 Pot ingredient part?

43 Spies’ files 114 Single-stranded mol101 “Fame” singer Cara 45 2016 Olympics host ecule 102 Helps criminally 103 Pronoun for Beyonce 104 Evil robot in an “Avengers” film 106 Many gaming laptops 109 As yet 111 See 98-Across 115 Ocean route 116 “Yay!” 117 Get back together 118 Like an old baguette 119 Garments that become multicolored 120 Had mercy on

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“B’UP GPN HPFHVP TRF CWP MCOOVPZ MI JRBVZWPS, CX NRFDER NRPI TPWP SPUPW JRBVZWPS NRPGXPVUPX.” GCIC WDZFVHR “IYASBI GI U WMBUYXAS EAS AFMSHAWGLZ AOIBUHCMI ULV UHXGMFGLZ UZUGLIB ZSMUB AVVI.” OGCC OSUVCMN Puzzle Two Clue E equals F

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle One Clues E equals G

Sarasota

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KARASTAN, MOHAWK, AIRO, SMARTSTRAND, ALL PET

CARPET

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

07-29-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

RED PAGES The East County Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the East County Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Items Under $200 XERCISE EQUIP: MaxiClimber Like New $100; Malibu Pilates Chair with 6CD's $60 941-896-5348

REAL LOCAL STUFF HERE!

real estate

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

Items Under $200 ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less.

Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236

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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “I’ve met people who are baffled by children, as though they were never children themselves.”

Maya Rudolph Puzzle Two Solution: “Sports is a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and achieving against great odds.”

Bill Bradley

This week’s Sudoku answers

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CALL BEFORE YOU FALL

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

Advertise as low as $85 per week.

Pegatronics Computer Instruction and Repair It’s Easier Than You Think!

941-705-5468

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

YOUR BUSINESS

Computer

361628

University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

Furniture Repair

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

Hardware Repair Virus / Malware Cleanup Software & Printer Install New Computer Setups New Purchase Consults Seniors & Beginners

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

361922

361625

HoHoBuysCars.com

New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

361884

941.270.4400

5-Star Rated

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression provides safe, gentle & effective relief for upwards of 90% of patients that qualify for care.

361387

360982

361629

941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner / Operator Insured

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

7262 55th Ave East, Bradenton, 34203 360983

Dustin Yoder

Allison J. Abizaid, M.A.

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

941.400.0431

gbyallison@yahoo.com gardensbyallison.com

361925

“Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters”

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Lawn Care

Rescreening & Repairs

|

27

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Roofing

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists

SALES & REPAIRS - MOWERS, GENERATORS, TRIMMERS, PRESSURE WASHERS, CHAIN SAWS, BLOWERS, ENGINES

941-626-3194

Eldridge Re-Screen

Painting

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

FREE ESTIMATES - Call Joel, Owner 30 Years Exp. Cell 619-405-7650 Home/Office 941-758-4840

361627

Homes - Driveways - Sidewalks - Tile & Shingle Roofs - Pool Cages & Decks

Power Washing Pressure Washing

Licensed

“No Job Too Small”

Insured

941-270-1561 361232

• Roofs • PoolCages Cages•• Decks Decks ••Driveways • Roofs • Pool Driveways • Deck/Paver Sealing • Gutter Cleaning • Deck/PaverAnd Sealing • And Much More Much More!

941-544-1066

RED PAGES

BEFORE

AFTER

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Roofing

Italian American Owned

SAFE ROOF CLEANING

Bisson Roofing Inc.

BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS

Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

Pressure Cleaning & Soft Washing Residential and Commercial

941-737-4483

www.PantherHydroCleaning.com

941 - 748 - 7400

10% SAVINGS With this ad

361926

Houses, Pool Cage & Decks, Fences, Driveways & Walks Irrigation, Fertilizer, Rust & Battery Stain Removal

• Pool Cage Restoration • Rescreening Specialists • Specialty Screens • Paint • Doors and more!

Satisfaction guarantee Satisfaction Guarantee Pool cage Restoration/ Rescreening specialists Manufacture and Workmanship Warranties

941-345-5264

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

Security

Doors and more!

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

Right On Target LLC

PROTECTION SERVICES

MOBILE PATROL FIXED LOCATION BODY GUARD SERVICES EVENT SECURITY We also conduct the security D & G courses Don Burrow, President/CEO

(941) 405-2931

| scaperotta@aol.com

360985

360978

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

Screening

(941) 345-5264

Made for where you live. Here!

Honesty, Integrity and Pride

361231

361906

5002 LENA RD, UNIT 107, BRADENTON, 34211 WWW.SMALLENGINEREPAIRS.US

Pressure Washing

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins.

Owner Supervises Every Job

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

www.bissonroofing.com

don@rightontargetfts.com

B1700034

RIGHT ON TARGET Advertise your business, starting at only $85 per month.

OBSERVER RED PAGES

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

360987

941-739-5102

360986

360984

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS

28

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

YOU’VE BEEN SERVED a menu of options for Fall classes!

ENTREES Workforce Certificates Get a certificate, get noticed and earn more in less than a year.

Two-year Degrees Prepare to enter the workforce or a four-year university. 30+ programs to choose from.

Four-year Degrees Succeed in high-demand careers with one of our five bachelor’s degrees.

MENU SPECIALS Flex Start Classes Opt for flexible scheduling with classes in 5-, 8- or 12-week sessions.

Go Live with SCF Online Take advantage of live instruction from convenient locations.

Weekend College Attend classes stress-free on Friday evenings and Saturdays.

Take classes when you can, the way you want.

PLACE YOUR ORDER! SCF.edu/FallMenu | Text 941-304-5443 | Call 941-752-5050 State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, religion, age, national origin/ethnicity, color, marital status, disability, genetic information or sexual orientation in any of its educational programs, services and activities, including admission and employment. Direct inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies to: Equity Officer, 941-752-5323, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207. 358640-1